Say someone is interested in an image of a particular species and does a search such as I have done from time to time. They may find a really striking image they feel compelled to comment on. Is that not why there is a search function in the first place, to look back at some of the great images posted on this forum? Anyway my two cents.
Conrad Tan wrote: I wonder how long THIS thread will go on for? Sorry Thang.... Just tryin to lighten the mood
Conrad - I voted for 2 weeks. Therefore, as the OP, MY last response will be on Friday, Nov 20th. And that's 2009! Unless Fred Miranda decides to shut it down sooner...
I voted one week. It depends on the purpose for popping it back up to the top. Some people do abuse that, which I don't really mind if they are willing to contribute to other posts as well. We have to remember that every time we bump one of our posts up, someone else is dumped off the page.
Many times I don't answer a thread of mine so I don't 'overdo' a post. I also don't have time to read someones post that has 70 comments on it, so I don't. Me eyes are burning up as it is!
The bottom line, is if everyone contributes to others posts here, then it all works out. But sometimes that doesn't happen. It's alot of work to check thru all the posts. Popular place here. But I notice sometimes new posts just fly off to the second page before people even see them. The way to counter that is everyone help out on the issue. Especially if they post alot of their own posts.
I won't post on this again, running it to the top, lol, but a good suggestion to Fred, is to remove the VIEW line and POSTs line. The issue solved. I had a health forum for 7 years, and believe me this really stops the 'curiosity' clicks and popularity contests.
Quoting and thanking by the original poster is an acceptable courtesy. Occasionally, due to bad timing, an original poster may bump the post back to the top, we've all done it. When an original poster continually bumps their post to the top, that's annoying. The rest of us aren't here to stroke their ego or cater to their insecurities.
When someone posts a great photo or accomplishment, people are going to comment on it and the thread will keep coming back to the top. After all, this is what we all strive for.
sbeme wrote:
I never know whether to keep thanking folks, pushing the thread back up, or wait until the frequency dies down and avoid getting in the last "thanks"
Scott
Scott - I think it's a matter of courtesy. Most members here are very considerate when it comes to "bumping" their own posts. There are different methodologies to show your appreciation/thanking other members for their comments. I have seen folks trying to do that - all in one post with a single response, all in one post with several individual comments, few posts with several thanks in each, a thanks per post at one time...
But for me, spreading the thanks out one/two every few days for over period of months is not about appreciation anymore...It gives the impression that one's trying to advertise his/her work for personal gains, etc...
So far most seem to think that less than 2months is the preferred option.
Karl Witt wrote: Maybe there could be a button for the OP to hit to 'drop' from first page at will, thus relying on the OP to be the judge of enough is enough
Karl
Karl - for me, this option gives the OP way too much power. Having said that, I do believe that most members in this forum are very modest/considerate/and courteous enough to not abusing it. But there are few who will surely abuse this "power".
Long time no see. Hope all is going well with you. Hope to see you around BC soon anh Thang. I just voted for 2 weeks. I think that is plenty of time for any threads. Thanks
It depends on the topic. I think it should only last as long as the thread is worth. If it is a good thread, it should go long. I think it usually is that way, with a few rare exceptions.
I wonder how long THIS thread will go on for? 
And that's 2009!
Just don't let it go to your head. 